Self-medication with antibiotics: prevalence, practices and related factors among the Pakistani public

Aslam, Adeel and Mohd Zin, Che Suraya and Jamshed, Shazia and Ab Rahman, Norny Syafinaz and Ahmed, Syed Imran and Pallós, Péter and Gajdács, Márió (2022) Self-medication with antibiotics: prevalence, practices and related factors among the Pakistani public. Antibiotics, 11 (6). pp. 1-16. E-ISSN 2079-6382

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Abstract

Abstract: Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) has become considerably common in developing countries, which is a critical factor for driving antibiotic resistance. Individuals involved in SMA generally do not have adequate knowledge regarding the appropriate use, indications and dosage of these drugs. The objective of the present study was to investigate population SMA practices, knowledge and sociodemographic factors associated with SMA in Islamabad, Pakistan. The study adopted a cross-sectional methodology and data collection was performed through an anonymous, structured and pilot-tested questionnaire, which was interview-administered. Inferential statistics and multivariate logistic regression were performed. Out of 480 participants, 55.6% (n = 267) were male with a mean age of 37.1 � 10.1 years; the total prevalence of SMA was 32.5%. Ciprofloxacin (42.9%) was the most commonly used antibiotic to treat coughs or colds, a runny nose, flu or sore throat, diarrhea or fevers, which were relevant reasons for SMA. Findings from multivariate logistic regression showed that predictors of SMA were: male gender (95%CI: 0.383–1.005), age (95%CI: 0.317–0.953) and highest level of education (95%CI: 0.961–0.649). Despite reasonable access to healthcare facilities, people are still obtaining antibiotics without prescription, bypassing diagnostic and consultative healthcare services. Thus, the government must implement strict healthcare policies to restrict the sale of antibiotics without prescriptions, while at the same time, targeted public awareness campaigns about the proper use of antibiotics are also required

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	self-medication; antibiotics; antimicrobial resistance; Pakistan; questionnaire; practices; logistic regression
Subjects:	R Medicine > RS Pharmacy and materia medica
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Pharmacy > Department of Pharmacy Practice Kulliyyah of Pharmacy
Depositing User:	Prof Dr Che Suraya Mohd Zin
Date Deposited:	28 Dec 2022 12:00
Last Modified:	28 Dec 2022 12:13
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/102439

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